Birth of the Firebringer Trilogy
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Birth of the Firebringer is a fantasy novel written by Meredith Ann Pierce that features anthropomorphic unicorns as the protagonists. First published in hard cover in 1985, the book is often classified as young adult fiction. The book stands alone, but is actually the beginning of a trilogy, followed by Dark Moon in 1992, and then The Son of Summer Stars in 1996. Out of print for almost twenty years, all three books were re-printed in soft cover by Firebird Books in 2003. Many of Pierce's books have been translated into Dutch including Firebringer.
Birth of the Firebringer differs from many fantasy novels in that humans are never mentioned, although they play a major role in Dark Moon. The world is completely new to the reader, as in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, or L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, although several creatures present in Greek Mythology play roles, such as the gryphons or the pans- better known as fauns. The coming of age theme when juxtaposed onto the anthropomorphic character of Jan can help clarify feelings that many a teenager has faced, such as acceptance amongst peers, increased responsibility, and parental approval. Firebringer excels at developing its anthropomorphic characters and is among the very best for unicorn protagonists. These unicorns talk, act, think and grow as main characters, not as afterthoughts, and their actions may surprise a reader versed in unicorn mythology.
Can be confused with another anthropomorphic book of similar name by David Clement-Davies, Fire Bringer, a story featuring deer as the main characters, written in the style of Watership Down.
